I wasn't sure on what the weather was going to do today as it's been bitter cold the last few weeks but managed to brave the elements and visit Aylesford Priory, I have been a few times before, one being a school trip, can't remember why just swarming the place and the other time was with my parents as a day out many moons ago.
Aylesford Priory or The Friars is a priory in Aylesford, near Maidstone, Kent, England. It was founded in 1242 by the first Carmelites to come from the Holy Land, under the patronage of the crusader Richard de Grey, I didn't find any Holy grail!
After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Friars passed to Sir Thomas Wyatt, Sir John Sedley, Sir Peter Rycaut, Sir John Banks and Heneage Finch, 1st Earl of Aylesford among others.
In 1949 the house was put up for sale and the Carmelites were able to buy back their mother house, they have been there ever until today.
On arriving the car park is free, but they would like a donation of £2, it was like an ice skating rink especially in heels as I found out, I'm surprised I didn't go arse over tit several times. Managed to get to an ice-free zone and walked past a pond. I was actually surprised by the weather as I was in a dress. As I wandered around there were a few people, I don't know how many made a donation, but you can go around for free looking like a lost tourist.
You can do the whole site in an hour, unless you are religious and into it. But if you just want to have a walk around in peace a quiet it the place to go, and if you get pestered you can shush them for fun. I thought I would try a bolder shade of lipstick, I wasn't sure at first, but I like it.
I went to the shop to have a nose around, all religious stuff. Furthermore, I didn't try the café, it sells the usual stuff, sandwiches in packets and cakes. Perhaps I could become a Carmelites nun? I got enough bad habits!
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